OLYMPIA — A bill to keep Washingtonians safe from gun violence was heard in the Senate Law & Justice Committee Tuesday. Senate Bill 5098, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), would prohibit weapons in locations where children and families frequently gather, including parks with playgrounds, as well as state and local government buildings and county fairs during public hours. This bill also includes provisions for clear signage to inform the public of these restrictions, ensuring widespread awareness and compliance. “Families deserve to feel safe in parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces where children are present,” Valdez said. “This bill takes commonsense steps to reduce the risk of violence in these environments and prioritize our communities’ ...
Read More
Latest News
About Javier
Javier Valdez is the proud son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers. A product of public education, Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College, the City University of New York, as a participant in the National Urban Fellows program. Javier has worked for the City of Seattle for over 20 years, where he led Seattle City Light’s women and minority business (WMBE) program, served as a special assistant on WMBE programs in the Seattle Mayor’s Office, and currently as a senior equity and inclusion advisor with the City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services Department.
Javier is vice chair of the State Government & Elections Committee and also serves on the Law & Justice and Transportation committees.
Read Javier’s full biography here.
Javier in the News
OLYMPIA — Did you vote? If not, you’re in substantial company. According to preliminary data, roughly 64% of eligible Washington voters didn’t cast a ballot in the Nov. 7 general election, when 3,095 races for city, school board ...
Read More
Washington lawmakers are considering a new proposal to prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces in the state. Under the legislation, public libraries, zoos, aquariums, parks, transit stations and state or local public buildings would be added to the ...
Read More